Wike’s Aide Lere Olayinka Refuses to Answer Rufai Oseni During Live TV Interview

Lere Olayinka, a spokesperson for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declined to answer questions from Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni during a live television programme.

Olayinka appeared on The Morning Show on Friday but objected to engaging directly with Oseni, saying he preferred to have a conversation with people he considered reasonable.

The disagreement reportedly followed Olayinka’s objection to Oseni’s alleged use of the term “emudani” while describing some individuals.

During the programme, Oseni asked Olayinka to explain why former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, who has faced corruption allegations, was included in the presidential campaign council.

Rather than address the question, Olayinka directed his response at Oseni and said he would not answer questions from him.

“Well, I’m very sorry to say this, Oseni Rufai, I don’t want to answer any question from you. I want to concentrate,” Olayinka said.

He added that he wanted the discussion to involve “reasonable human beings” who would not describe other people using the disputed term.

Olayinka’s refusal prompted intervention from co-anchor Ayo Mairo-Ese, who reminded him that he had been invited to speak with all three anchors on the programme, including former presidential spokesman Reuben Abati.

Mairo-Ese subsequently ended the interview, telling Olayinka that he could be invited again when he was ready to engage with all three presenters.

The latest exchange adds to a history of public disagreements between Olayinka and Oseni, who have previously clashed over issues including the definition of journalism and Oseni’s professional background.

In an earlier confrontation, Olayinka questioned Oseni’s qualification as a journalist because he studied Animal Anatomy, while Oseni defended his professional experience and journalism training.

Olayinka has also previously criticised Oseni’s conduct during interviews with public officials, including accusing the broadcaster in 2025 of failing to observe appropriate standards when addressing guests on television.